Mobile app helps consumers shop locally

Consumers wanting to shop locally, support values-based ­businesses and find affordable co-ops in their communities can use the new CooperateUSA mobile app and online directory.

CooperateUSA.coop and the CooperateUSA app are free resources and provide access to 29,000 US cooperatives in a variety of industries, ­including credit unions and financial service, grocery and consumer goods, healthcare, childcare, housing, ­transportation, utilities and more.

“Cooperatives continue to out­perform for-profit businesses when it comes to consumer satisfaction and now consumers have a free resource at their fingertips that will enable them to experience the co-op difference firsthand,” said Liz Bailey, interim President and Chief Executive Officer of National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). “It’s never been easier for consumers to shop locally, support values-based ­businesses and create jobs in their local communities.”

The CooperateUSA.coop online directory offers a co-op locator to search nearby co-ops or co-ops nationwide and provides information and web links to each cooperative.

“National Cooperative Bank is thrilled to be a part of the CooperateUSA mobile app,” stated Chuck Snyder, President and CEO, NCB. “Many people shop at ­cooperatives and purchase co-op products everyday without knowing much about cooperatives. This tool helps build awareness of this suc­cessful business model and makes it easier than ever for consumers to live cooperatively.”